Trinity installs first disabled bicycle parking facilities

Posted on: 28 June 2019

Trinity College is proud to announce the installation of the first disabled cycle parking facilities in Ireland on its green campus.

Contrary to public opinion, cycling is a popular method of transport for disabled people, improving confidence and giving a sense of freedom and empowerment. However, most cycle parking and storage facilities fail to cater for the needs of disabled cyclists. Almost all cycle parking stands are intended for use by standard two-wheeled bicycles and are generally placed too close to each other to fit a three-wheeled cycle between them.

The new spaces, which allow for wider, hand-operated tricycles, as well as regular bikes, are clearly signposted, step-free and located outside the Law School on New Square. The disabled parking bay is the first of four planned spots, with two more due to open before September.

The fourth accessible parking facility is scheduled to open at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute before the end of the year.

Director of Disability Services at Trinity College, Declan Treanor said: “If you have any kind of non-standard bicycle it can be very difficult for people to park up.” He added while Trinity students and lecturers with disabilities can benefit from the installation, he also hopes Trinity will be seen as a “prototype” for wider society. “The aim is to show people that this is possible. Hopefully people will see this and follow our example,” he said.

In the 2017/18 academic year, 8.6 per cent of students were registered with the Trinity Disability Service. Although the actual figure is believed to be higher, 2.9 per cent of Trinity staff declared a disability.

Director of London-based charity Wheels for Wellbeing (which aims to promote the idea that cycling is possible for a large proportion of people with disabilities) Isabelle Clement, who attended the launch said: “Disabled cycle parking is extremely important. Loads of disabled people can cycle, but unless you can park at your destination, you cannot attend your meeting or appointment.”